Halal Tourism
Date published: 14 Nov 2007
In the attempt to emulate Dubai's success, Middle Eastern countries are turning to tourism as an alternative revenue source, according to a new report launched today at the World Travel Market.
The WTM Global Trends Report 2007, produced by market analysts Euromonitor International for World Travel Market, has identified little differentiation between Middle Eastern tourism services targeted at Muslims and non-Muslims, though these groups have vastly different needs. This represents untapped potential and opportunity for Halal tourism, a form of religious tourism defined as activities permissible under Islamic law. Euromonitor International forecasts the number of inbound tourists to the Middle East will grow by 66% to reach 55 million between 2006 and 2011. A large proportion of them will be intra-regional travellers, boosted by increased connectivity between cities and better infrastructure catering to Halal tourism.
Ms Parita Chitakasem, Asia Pacific and Australasia Travel and Tourism Manager for Euromonitor International, explains, “tourism infrastructure clearly needs domestic development before international inbound tourism can occur. Therefore, it is crucial that Middle Eastern countries take concrete steps to develop Halal tourism internally. One successful example with regional tourists is the Dubai Ice Bar which was developed according to western concepts but still suitable for Halal Tourism as it does not serve alcohol. Simple steps such as having prayer rooms at tourism sites and making religious sites more Muslim tourist-friendly also will go a long way.”
Fiona Jeffrey, Managing Director of World Travel Market said, “By creating Halal packages that incorporate activities and services in keeping with Islamic law, companies are creating a concept that we expect to prove very successful.”
Ms Parita Chitakasem continues, “as witnessed by the continued number of religious tourists visiting Iraq, Halal tourism has the potential to develop into one of the most resilient forms of tourism. Tourism revenue in the Middle East is expected to grow by 108% to almost US$51 billion and domestic tourism by 82% to reach US$24 billion in 2011. Most of this growth stems from Middle Eastern travellers, underlining the need for tailored Halal tourism products and services that are developed within the region and cater to this dynamic local market.”
Click here to download a copy of the report
For further information, please contact:
Rosie Meade, Press and PR Executive, Euromonitor International
Tel: +44 (0)207 2518024 Ex.3510 Mob: 07703 321 902 rosie.meade@euromonitor.com
Lauren Beth, International PR Manager, Euromonitor International
Tel: +44 (0)207 2518024 Ex.3507 Mob: 07725 433 103 lauren.beth@euromonitorintl.com
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